Orlando police increasing security at concert after WL church threats

Police in Orlando will increase security at a concert tonight after violent threats and hateful banners were posted at a West Lafayette church.

Posted: Jan. 23, 2018 11:05 AM

Updated: Jan. 23, 2018 11:10 AM

Posted By: Trevor Peters

ORLANDO, Fla. (WLFI) — Police in Orlando will increase security at a concert Tuesday night after violent threats and hateful banners were posted at a West Lafayette church.

Scroll for more content...

As we previously reported, one of the banners hung at the Unitarian Universalist Church Sunday referenced singer-songwriter Jackson Browne.

Browne is performing at Walt Disney World Tuesday night.

News 18 reached out to the Orlando Police Department and they released the following statement:

"OPD is aware of this incident and has been in communication with police in West Lafayette, Indiana. We are aware that there is a planned Jackson Browne concert Jan. 23 at the Dr. Phillips Center and there will be an increased security presence at the event.As always, we rely on our residents and visitors to be our eyes and ears in the community. If you see something that seems suspicious, notify police and we will check into it."

Jackson Browne is known for his advocacy on behalf of the environment, human rights, and arts education. According to Browne's website, his music is charged with "honesty, emotion and personal politics."

At last check, Browne has not commented on the threat.

West Lafayette police said they were called to the Unitarian Universalist Church on Meridan Street just after 8 a.m. Sunday.

A number of racist expletives were written on one banner. Another banner reads, "Die [expletive]. Orlando just like [Las] Vegas." The date "January 23" spelled "Janury" is written beside the message.

The banners were removed and taken for forensic evidence. It is still an active investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call WLPD at 765-775-5200.